NASHVILLE, Tenn. — More than 1200 yogis from Nashville's yoga community put their mats down at Nissan Stadium during a record-breaking twilight yoga class celebrating the 3rd annual Yoga on the Field presented by Saint Thomas Health. It is the largest yoga class ever held in the city of Nashville. All proceeds from the event will benefit Soles4Souls, a Nashville-based nonprofit with a mission to fight poverty through the distribution of shoes and clothing.

The yogis placed their mats from end zone to end zone on the playing surface at Nissan Stadium for an hour-long class open to all ages and levels of experience. Titans' mascot, T-Rac stopped by to put smiles on everyone's faces and practiced a few poses before the class began.

"It's been such a neat experience to watch this event grow and support Souls4Soles," said Susannah Herring, Owner of Hot Yoga Plus. "The mission of Soles4Souls is giving shoes to people and in yoga we don't wear shoes. It's way to support an organization that does incredible things. Yoga is my business, my career and my life so being able to share it with people who come for the first time to experience the stadium and then get to experience yoga is what we do."

The class was led by instructors Brent Coleman of Hot Yoga Plus and Gillian St. Clair of Steadfast and Tru Yoga with all poses paired with music from DJ Mindub that kept everyone energized.

"It's an all levels class so everyone has an option throughout the class," said Coleman. "This is a huge deal for me because I'm a giant Titans fan so as soon as I got here I geeked out like a kid and ran a little curl route around the mats and caught a pass!"

Phaythoune Chothmounethinh, M.D. recently joined Saint Thomas Medical Partners in Hendersonville. TN as a family medicine, integrative medicine and primary care physician. He has lectured on integrative medicine and was the lead author of the Mind-Body Medicine Module of Arizona Center's Integrative Medicine in Residency Program. "I think it's one of the best anaerobic exercises out there. It improves flexibility, helps with toning of muscles, helps with balance and is a great stress reducer. It's an ancient practice but it's very relevant to our modern day, high-stress, high-pace lifestyle," said Chothmounethinh.

The class concluded with a social hour including fun activities such as a photo booth, giveaways and food.

"We are here as a part of this fabulous event and pleased to be here for the 3rd time, said Buddy Teaster, CEO of Soles4Souls. "Soles4Souls collects and distributes shoes to people all around to world to help people in need. This is a way for us to raise awareness here in Nashville and do it in a really fun way in a gorgeous spot."

"For the Titans to be putting out events like this that are in line with what we believe in of wellness and bringing community together, we are very excited to see that happen," said Chothmounethinh.

"Mats down" it was a great evening of celebration for Nashville's yoga community!

About Soles4Souls®

Soles4Souls is a global social enterprise committed to fighting the devastating impact and perpetuation of poverty.  The organization advances its anti-poverty mission by collecting new and used shoes and clothes from individuals, schools, faith-based institutions, civic organizations and corporate partners, then distributing those shoes and clothes both via direct donations to people in need and by provisioning qualified micro-enterprise programs designed to create jobs in poor and disadvantaged communities.  Since it began, Soles4Souls has distributed more than 22 million pairs of shoes in 127 countries. Based in Nashville, Tennessee, Soles4Souls is committed to the highest standards of operating and governance, and holds a four-star rating with Charity Navigator.  Please visit www.soles4souls.org for more information.